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Kylian Mbappe signed with Real Madrid aiming for Champions League success, looking to secure the kind of unforgettable night necessary against Arsenal on Wednesday to advance to the semi-finals.
The Gunners lead 3-0 after overpowering the titleholders in London last week during the first leg of the quarter-finals, leaving Madrid yearning for the thrilling comebacks they are famous for.
Overcoming a three-goal deficit would surpass anything Los Blancos have achieved thus far, which is exactly why they sought to bring Mbappe to the club for several years.
The French superstar’s dynamic capabilities provide Madrid with hope of accomplishing what seems almost unachievable.
“Of course we can,” Mbappe declared while leaving the Emirates last Tuesday, on his way to the team bus after Arsenal’s remarkable win. Declan Rice scored two exquisite free-kicks, and Mikel Merino’s additional goal allowed Mikel Arteta’s squad to take a significant step toward the final four.
Arsenal understands that the task is not finished, having experienced Mbappe’s devastating influence against Premier League champions Manchester City earlier this season.
He scored a hat-trick against Guardiola’s team at the Santiago Bernabeu in February during the play-off round, facilitating Madrid's elimination of City 6-3 on aggregate.
Although Mbappe was sent off for a reckless challenge against Alaves in La Liga on Sunday, placing additional pressure on his teammates, he has the chance to redeem himself with an exceptional performance at the Santiago Bernabeu against Arsenal.
He played only 38 minutes in Madrid’s 1-0 victory, so he should be well-rested for Wednesday’s match.
This season, Mbappe has netted 33 goals in 49 matches across all competitions, matching the record of Madrid’s all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo in his debut season at the club.
Mbappe was unable to secure the Champions League trophy with Paris Saint-Germain during his seven-year tenure there and in 2022, he experienced firsthand a stunning comeback by Real Madrid.
PSG led 1-0 after the first leg of the last 16, with Mbappe scoring, and added another goal to give the French side the lead at the Bernabeu.
This ignited Real Madrid, and a phenomenal 17-minute hat-trick from Karim Benzema turned the tie in their favor, propelling Los Blancos into the quarter-finals and eventually towards lifting the trophy.
Mbappe remarked that his treble against Man City was just the kind of night he longed for.
“I’ve been dreaming of moments like this since I was a kid, to play for this club and to experience what it’s like on a big night at the Bernabeu,” the Frenchman expressed.
“Many have described it to me, but now I’ve witnessed it myself, and I hope we will have many more.”
In 2022, Madrid made a remarkable comeback to defeat Man City, even while trailing 5-3 on aggregate in the dying moments of the semi-final second leg, ultimately winning 6-5.
Perhaps their most significant comeback occurred in the 2014 final against rivals Atletico, when they were down 1-0 until Sergio Ramos scored in the 93rd minute, leading to extra time where Los Blancos triumphed 4-1 to secure ‘La Decima,’ their 10th Champions League title.
They also overcame a 2-0 deficit in the quarter-finals against Wolfsburg in 2016, winning the second leg 3-0 thanks to a Ronaldo hat-trick. Mbappe would love nothing more than to replicate the Portuguese forward’s achievement against Arsenal.
“At the Santiago Bernabeu, comebacks are always a topic of conversation,” Ronaldo stated.
Madrid and comebacks have been intertwined since the 1980s when winger Juanito featured in several, including the UEFA Cup semi-finals in 1985.
“Ninety minutes at the Bernabeu can feel like an eternity,” he cautioned Inter Milan after they won the first leg 2-0 in Italy, as Madrid went on to win 3-0 on their path to glory.
Mbappe joined Madrid to contribute to their illustrious history, and the visit from Arsenal offers the perfect occasion.
“We must believe; we need to have confidence,” coach Carlo Ancelotti mentioned last week. “Because sometimes, quite often at the Bernabeu, it happens.”
